Could Maxwells Demon Exist in Nanoscale Systems?
Scientists have found that Maxwells demon, or a creature that can sometimes decrease the entropy of a system without performing work, could exist in nanoscale systems, although it would not violate any physical law. Image: Wikimedia Commons. (PhysOrg.com) — Maxwells demon may be making a comeback. Physicists know that the demon, an imaginary creature that decreases the entropy of a system, cannot exist in macroscopic systems due to the energy it requires to perform its role. However, a recent study has shown that, on the nanoscale, Maxwells demon might be able to do its work with much less energy than previously thought due to tiny thermal fluctuations that occur in small systems.
